I have recently purchased a vintage 1972 Pilot Elite w/18K nib from Japan. I usually disassemble and clean all my vintage pens thoroughly and this pen was no exception. Initially the pen did not write good, very stingy on ink flow. Finally discovering how to disassemble it, I took it apart and found there is fiber sponge material that wicks ink from the feed and this was totally disintegrated. The pen was essentially useless with no way of controlling the ink flow........Thinking for a bit I remembered that the current $3 Pilot Varsity also uses this type of ink feed mechanism.....could it be that the fiber piece in the Varsity could be repurposed in the 1972 Pilot? Yes Japanese engineering again! The Diameter of the fiber was perfect and only needed to be trimmed and tapered a bit to fit under the Elite gold nib. It is now an amazing pen that never leaks and writes every time just like my (refillable) Varsity. Thanks for the video, I hope my info helps others that have an old Elite in the drawer. I always appreciate your engineering attention.
See, THIS is what TH-cam comments sections should be. Great feedback and sharing of information. So much negativity and complaining these days. Thank you for posting this! As a fellow vintage Elite owner ('74, here!), I am now armed with additional knowledge should I ever find myself experiencing ink flow problems.
This is great! When i disassembled my vintage elite a couple months ago, i had the exact same thought. i used a replacement fiber tip for marker pens, sliced and shaved to fit with a scalpel. Works perfectly!
My first gold nib was the Lamy 2k F. Great writer. I did get a 1970s vintage Elite last year for $35 at a pen show because it had a mismatched body. I love the old 18k nib.
Hey Doodlebud, love your channel and videos (including this one)! Recently purchased an E95s for myself after watching your video, and I love it. You mentioned in your video that the modern version had a crimped on clip instead of a spring clip, but I'm very pleased to report that the new ones have spring clips too! What an adorable little pen :) And thank you for making such excellent videos.
My first gold nib pen was the Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo in medium. Picked it up this year during my first pen show, an intimidating but enjoyable experience. Thank you for the amazing content you share! I have learned so much from your channel.
My first gold nib pen was the Lamy 2000 in extra fine. Thank's for the review, i've always wanted to see how the modern and vintage elites compare! I thought they would have been virtually identical, but glad to know there are subtle differences that make them unique. Keep up the great work
My first gold nib was a gift of a Parker Duofold in 1987. I still use it regularly. I really enjoy your channel. Your engineering background adds something no other channel does. Well done.
I absolutely love the vintage pilot design and look. I want to get my hands on one of these some day! If memory serves, my first gold nibbed pen was my Platinum President. I purchased it in ultra extra extra fine.
For the Elite/95s, I refill cartridges. The CON-40 doesn't bother me that much (I syringe-fill them) in most Pilot pens, but I can't see the ink level in the Elite. I can see the ink when I use a cartridge in that pen. My first gold nib pen was a LAMY Dialog 3. I originally bought it with a F nib, but bought an EF nib about a year later and swapped it out. Sometimes I put the Gold F on a Safari, depending on the ink. 😏
Thank you for reviewing the e95s. I especially like that you measure the weight and the dimensions. Those data are even more important today when it's not as easy to find stationers to try the pens in person!
My first gold nib pen, I believe, was a Platinum 3776. I bought it seven or eight years ago and since then I've picked up gold nibbed pens from several manufacturers but Pilot seems to offer the most consistent writers, in my opinion. Thank you for your excellent video and good luck to everyone in the drawing!
My first gold nib was actually my first pen! A vintage Cross Townsend that I got from an antique store for really cheap as it didn't really work. I learned how to take care of fountain pens along with how to use them thanks to that pen, and thankfully wasn't scared away by everything I had to learn. Haven't gotten any other gold nibs since then, but one day maybe another one will be on the way!
You have great looking handwriting! I assume you work on it. Could you make a video saying how you improved your handwriting over the years you have been on TH-cam?
Looks awesome and has that great Pilot quality and aesthetic. I was surprised for my birthday with my first gold nib, a Pilot Custom 823. Love it in every way.
Interesting comparison, my vintage Elite was my second gold nib pen (first was vintage Waterman Commando), and there's a number of things that are quite different between my vintage and yours! Section extends all the way under the nib, no feed is visible at all, and can't see enough of the nib to see if it has a date on it.
Excellent, excellent. I was switching pens Mid-write, from a steel nib generic Asian pen to a vintage Elite. The difference, the feel was nothing subtle. The Pilot Elite was virtually MAGICAL. Smooth. Expressive. Responsive. Even the resulting script was _so_ nuanced. It literally took my breath away. Thank you for the great comparative review.
Writing with my Pilot Custom 823 felt like I was tapping into a reservoir of inspiration. The vacuum filler mechanism and the 14k gold nib turned every writing session into a joyous experience ❤
Two gorgeous, differently-styled pens, but the wiggle introduced in the posted cap of the current model, if actually noticeable to a typical user, is a low-down dirty shame. Please omit me from the drawing as I've already had an Elite. Thanks to you and 365 for the generosity. My first gold pen was a 743 which I still have even though it taught me that I don't like/need flex. You want it? I'm in a tradey mood.
My first gold nib was a Lamy 2000 EF - a really precise sweet spot that’s lovely to write with (not so great if you tend to roll a nib when writing, but amazing if you don’t!). Thank you so much for the great content - as always!
I discovered your channel a few month ago and have since watched all and have gone viewing at past postings. I like your approach and vibe of the individual episodes. I have really liked your tips, tricks and did you knows; like the tissue wetness test. Well Done.
I love my vintage Elite, it has been my daily pen for around a year. I got it to see if I would like the form factor as it was about 1/8 the price of the e95s
i'll be honest I like the con40 because I love changing ink colors. nice job, cool to see these side by side thanks! first gold was parker 51 -- didn't love it sadly.
Bought it with an EF nib. Absolutely in love. This pen is gorgeous in person and the feedback is *perfect*. Glides across the page but also feels and sounds like I'm scratching arcane runes onto an ancient scroll with a quill. Perfection.
My wife and I both have the newer version like yours in this video. They both are medium nibs and write wonderfully well…a bit soft but smooth as butter! I have the black and hers is the burgundy color. Fantastic writers for sure. Lots of bang for the buck. We especially like the friction fit of the cap. A distinctive closure when replacing the cap when done as well as when posting during writing. I would highly recommend this pen to both beginners as well as experienced writers. Nice job on your videos! I’m a subscriber. Joe M. Kansas City, USA.
Sailor and Platinum also made long-short pocket pens like this back in the 70s. They aren't as popular as the Elite and can be found remarkably cheap for gold nibs. I have a Platinum with a flex nib and it's a great writer.
My first gold nib was my late father's vintage Aurora Hastil in medium, it's super smooth. The first one I bought myself is my Sailor PGS Manyo Willow in MF. I agree with you that the vintage one has a lovely look that I wish the new version would come in as well!
Thank you for the video. I enjoyed learning how to test for wetness. I've only been collecting using fountain pens since last summer. So i'm considering getting an e ninety five s for my first gold nib. I'm so grateful for the gentlemen who gave me my first couple of fountain pens. I've always hated writing and therefore keeping track of events and journaling. Using the fountain pen. I have gotten so much better.
I got a modern Japan Elite 95s in ivory and burgandy. Great writing pens just don't write with it much being I work with steel on a manufacturing floor. Dont want it to get damaged.
It's a cool and different pen. I had a vintage Pilot Elite 18k, but found the converter would only fill halfway, and would only last a page or two. 11:30 very cool dry-test, I'll definitely put that to use, thanks!
@@blktauna Yup, that would solve it. I thought of it as an excuse to sell it to someone who wants it more, and instead use another pen. I used to use it at work (fit in the shirt pocket), I now use parker 51, which is just perfect. It's discrete, fast to uncap, looks like a normal pen, just works, never fails, holds plenty of ink.
Only a few months into using fountain pens and the Elite is the pen I would like as my first gold nib. Thank you for all the pen and ink videos you make.
I recently inherited my mom's vintage Parker 75 with a beautiful silver "cisele" design very similar to that vintage Pilot. Such a beautiful and timeless look. I also love that even though the pen is over 50 years old it takes the exact same coverter and cartridges as modern Parkers.
Another nice review DB. My first gold nib was an E95s in Burgandy/Ivory Fine nib. I liked this style of pocket pen so much I've since acquired 3 vintage Sailors, 2 vintage Platinums, and a vintage Pilot Elite. My most recent acquisition - a vintage 1976 Pilot Myu 701!
Thanks for the video. The tips and tricks seemed very useful. Filling up ink in a pen can be more than a little messy when you first get started. Also the trick about how to tell which pen is wetter was very useful.
My first gold nib pen was the Sailor Pro Gear Slim. It's been amazing. The Pilot Elite was an option even back then in 2016, and somehow it's still on my list of pens I'd like to get.
My daughter works at Muji. I'm looking forward to a real fountain pen to use on the paper she sent me. It's time to retire my Zebra Fuente. You've given me some good ideas. Love your down-to-earth style!
I recently ordered several Pilot gold nib pens as I heard about the price increase, they are the first in my collection: Custom 743 (FA nib), VP (Rhodium Stripe, F), Decimo (black, EF), VP LS (black, M), Falcon Elabo (brown, SEF), and a rare pen I haven't seen covered the Grance (dark blue, F). I was considering an e95s but I purchased the vintage Shaeffer Targa in this style of nib. ❤
Thanks DB! Learn something new every day! Date code was new to me. I usually refill empty cartridges in my Pilot short-long pocket pens because I like to choose my ink, the cartridges are sturdy, and have decent capacity. I have found them a pleasure to use
My first gold nib pen is my Sailor 1911S in MF. I have started to write since the 9th of January this year and started with my Pilot Kakuno. After finishing 2 journals, I moved to the Sailor 1911S. But I can seem to be comfortable enough to carry it with me to work so in the office I just use a normal rollerball. Great video btw. An in depth comparison is always nice. Very informative for newbies like me.
The Lamy 2000 was my gateway into the world of gold-nib fountain pens. Its minimalist design and the unique Makrolon material perfectly complement the smoothness of its gold nib.
I’ve been using fountain pens so long I’m not positive of my first gold nib. I believe it was my Namiki Faceted Vanishing Point in burgundy with a medium nib.
I'm a little over a month on my fountain pen journey and this Pilot E95s quickly made its way on my list. Your channel is my favorite due to your engineering approach as it fits with my interests in many things and now fountain pens too. I've been cruising around eBay in hopes of finding the same vintage one you have but am sure I will buy the new one soon. That is unless I'm the lucky winner. Thank you for all the reviews and content you produce.
Unboxing my Montblanc Meisterstück 149 was a defining moment. The weight, the craftsmanship, and the gold nib made me feel like I was holding a piece of writing history in my hands. Cheers mate!
Just about 2 months into my fountain pen journey as a wannabe artist. :D Love the videos. You've helped narrow the field considerably. I've stuck to the lower cost/easier to leave on the sidewalk when urban sketching types of pens so far, but very excited to eventually graduate to the finer stuff, and the Pilots are at the top of the list of contenders. Great stuff!
Great comparison video! My first gold nib was a Pilot Decimo 18k (M) - still love it. I also have an early 2000's Vanishing Point with a 14k nib (M). I can tell a slight difference between the two medium nibs with the 18k being a little smoother and a wetter flow. I've wanted to add an e95s to my collection and now you've given me much to consider...vintage vs new.
Just commenting to comment - I already have this exact E95s, so please omit me from the drawing! Ahhh, yes! I have been hoping this video would come! Ever since you so thoroughly convinced me to buy a vintage Elite - which, incidentally, was my first gold nib! - I have wanted to hear your thoughts on the two compared! There have been others who have done it, but your videos are always more entertaining, not to mention educational. That tip of lightly dabbing the nib on a tissue to check/compare wetness was solid! Thanks for continuing to entertain, educate, and inform us! As always, looking forward to catching you next time! 😅
Hi DB! Another great review. My first was a Vanishing Point. Hey, question for you! I'm looking for a crosshatch vintage like yours. All i find are (F) size. Didn't they make (M) or (B) in these vintage pens way back in the 70s and 80s???
My first gold nib was a Pelikan M800 Demo that I got at an antique store in Boston. Still one of my favorites even with its complicated barrel issues. Cheers!
LAMY 2000 was my first gold nib. I was skeptical at first but just writing with it changed my perspective. For what it's worth, you have a clear and pleasant voice for your reviews. Thanks.
My first gold nib was the Lamy 2000. Bought it on vacation to NYC not realizing how rare a Lamy store was in the US at the time. Will always love that pen.
My first gold nib was a Lamy 2000. I was very underwhelmed at first and barely ever used it. But I kept writing. Something clicked after a few weeks and boy did that become my favorite pen of all time. Thanks DB.
I watched your original video on the vintage elite and was so taken by its styling and your review I found my own one. So a vintage elite is my first gold nibbed pen. I use it to draw with, and it’s wonderful
My first gold nib was the Lamy 2k EF I got in 2017 :) I actually just recently swapped that EF nib out for a Medium and it revitalized my love for the pen. Also i just love these long-short pocket pens so much, I'm already browsing ebay to look at the vintage options listed right now haha.
Thanks Doodlebud for the excellent video. I own a modern Elite and I enjoy it a lot. My last fountain pen arrived yesterday: Leonardo Momento Zero Grande 2.0 Galattica Universe, what a nice pen indeed! Keep up the excellent work 🙂
I'm a huge fan of those pens in all of their iterations. The E95S was my first 14kt nib pen. I now have a couple of vintage Elites as well as of the Platinum version of the same style pocket pen & thoroughly enjoy writing with all of them, although I do kind of wish I had purchased that first E95S in a fine nib rather than a medium.
First gold nib was also my first fountain pen: Scheaffer Intrigue, black & gold, purchased new around 2002-03. Despite its problematic filling mechanism, it’s a beautiful pen that I still love.
My first (and for the moment only) gold nib pen was the pilot E95s! The burgundy and gold. It's such a beautiful pen to use, and just to look at and turn over in your hands, taking the lid on and off etc. I'm totally in love with it. Since I have one already I'm not angling for the draw, but congratulations to whoever wins it, it will make them very happy!
My first pen was also a Lamy 2000. Funnily enough, I actually just bought a vintage Elite with the crosshatch pattern a day prior to this video publishing! Still waiting for it to show up, so I'm excited to try it out.
My first solid gold 14K nib was in a Kaweco V.71 fountain pen my parents offered to me as a gift. Very interesting and educational video on these Pilot fountain pens. It looks like the vintage versions win quite often.Thank you!
My first gold nib was a Sailor 1911 Large with a medium sized nib ! Such a beautiful pen, took a bit of time to get used to the feedback of sailor pens but it was a great experience
@Doodlebud I'm new to fountain pens 🖋 i bought this exact elite pilot vintage; mines 1977. Can some one please help me as to which converter or ink cartridge can be used on this pen ? So much appreciated thanks 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙇🏾🙇🏾
I never miss one of your videos and I am a Pilot fan with 823, Custom 74 and 2 Falcons. What I would love to have is a Elite ne95s. All my Pilots are F nibs, so this one is a perfect fit.
I have recently purchased a vintage 1972 Pilot Elite w/18K nib from Japan. I usually disassemble and clean all my vintage pens thoroughly and this pen was no exception. Initially the pen did not write good, very stingy on ink flow. Finally discovering how to disassemble it, I took it apart and found there is fiber sponge material that wicks ink from the feed and this was totally disintegrated. The pen was essentially useless with no way of controlling the ink flow........Thinking for a bit I remembered that the current $3 Pilot Varsity also uses this type of ink feed mechanism.....could it be that the fiber piece in the Varsity could be repurposed in the 1972 Pilot? Yes Japanese engineering again! The Diameter of the fiber was perfect and only needed to be trimmed and tapered a bit to fit under the Elite gold nib. It is now an amazing pen that never leaks and writes every time just like my (refillable) Varsity. Thanks for the video, I hope my info helps others that have an old Elite in the drawer. I always appreciate your engineering attention.
See, THIS is what TH-cam comments sections should be. Great feedback and sharing of information. So much negativity and complaining these days.
Thank you for posting this! As a fellow vintage Elite owner ('74, here!), I am now armed with additional knowledge should I ever find myself experiencing ink flow problems.
Your comment is a godsend! I have a vintage pilot pen and mistook the fiber as dried ink and scraped it out 🫠. Will try out your technique soon
This is great! When i disassembled my vintage elite a couple months ago, i had the exact same thought. i used a replacement fiber tip for marker pens, sliced and shaved to fit with a scalpel. Works perfectly!
I would love to find a vintage Elite...the one in the video is superb! The new version is beautiful as well, and nothing can beat a Pilot nib, IMO!
My first gold nib was the Lamy 2k F. Great writer.
I did get a 1970s vintage Elite last year for $35 at a pen show because it had a mismatched body. I love the old 18k nib.
Excellent show. I really like the way your design & engineering background helps frame your comments. Good on 'ya, mate. Cheers from The Bunyips.
Hey Doodlebud, love your channel and videos (including this one)! Recently purchased an E95s for myself after watching your video, and I love it. You mentioned in your video that the modern version had a crimped on clip instead of a spring clip, but I'm very pleased to report that the new ones have spring clips too! What an adorable little pen :) And thank you for making such excellent videos.
I always love the old versus new to see what has changed, and you can see how they stand the test of time... Cheers, great work as always.
Just got my Elite a couple days ago. It is my 1st gold nib, and the best writer. So smooth, great flow, no skipping.
Love the videos!
I've only been using fountain pens for about 6 months, your content has been a great resource in my journey.
Always enjoy your reviews. You are always very thorough and detailed and I like that you are completely honest on your thoughts.
First gold nib was in my MB 149 purchased in the spring of 1978 for 100.00 .
My first gold nib pen was the Pilot Vanishing Point Decimo in medium. Picked it up this year during my first pen show, an intimidating but enjoyable experience.
Thank you for the amazing content you share! I have learned so much from your channel.
My first gold nib pen was the Lamy 2000 in extra fine. Thank's for the review, i've always wanted to see how the modern and vintage elites compare! I thought they would have been virtually identical, but glad to know there are subtle differences that make them unique. Keep up the great work
My first gold nib was a gift of a Parker Duofold in 1987. I still use it regularly. I really enjoy your channel. Your engineering background adds something no other channel does. Well done.
Was that the new or old Duofold. I love the design of the nib on the new with the arrow.
Thanks for yet another awesome video. I so much appreciate your expertise as an engineer. Best of luck to everybody on the drawing!
I absolutely love the vintage pilot design and look. I want to get my hands on one of these some day!
If memory serves, my first gold nibbed pen was my Platinum President. I purchased it in ultra extra extra fine.
My first FP and gold nib was a Pilot Vanishing Point. Thanks for your informative videos and practical insights.
For the Elite/95s, I refill cartridges.
The CON-40 doesn't bother me that much (I syringe-fill them) in most Pilot pens, but I can't see the ink level in the Elite. I can see the ink when I use a cartridge in that pen.
My first gold nib pen was a LAMY Dialog 3. I originally bought it with a F nib, but bought an EF nib about a year later and swapped it out. Sometimes I put the Gold F on a Safari, depending on the ink. 😏
Congrats for the video! Your comments and advices are valuable!
Thank you for reviewing the e95s. I especially like that you measure the weight and the dimensions. Those data are even more important today when it's not as easy to find stationers to try the pens in person!
Thanks for doing the side by side comparison. I really appreciate how thorough your reviews always are.
My first gold nib pen, I believe, was a Platinum 3776. I bought it seven or eight years ago and since then I've picked up gold nibbed pens from several manufacturers but Pilot seems to offer the most consistent writers, in my opinion. Thank you for your excellent video and good luck to everyone in the drawing!
My first gold nib was actually my first pen! A vintage Cross Townsend that I got from an antique store for really cheap as it didn't really work. I learned how to take care of fountain pens along with how to use them thanks to that pen, and thankfully wasn't scared away by everything I had to learn. Haven't gotten any other gold nibs since then, but one day maybe another one will be on the way!
Another great review as always - I love the visual from the tissue blotter test! I'll be using that ;)
You have great looking handwriting! I assume you work on it. Could you make a video saying how you improved your handwriting over the years you have been on TH-cam?
Thanks for that informative video! I took a break from TH-cam but I wanted to mention how your handwriting improved, it’s beautiful and fluid 👌👌
Looks awesome and has that great Pilot quality and aesthetic.
I was surprised for my birthday with my first gold nib, a Pilot Custom 823. Love it in every way.
Interesting comparison, my vintage Elite was my second gold nib pen (first was vintage Waterman Commando), and there's a number of things that are quite different between my vintage and yours! Section extends all the way under the nib, no feed is visible at all, and can't see enough of the nib to see if it has a date on it.
Excellent, excellent. I was switching pens Mid-write, from a steel nib generic Asian pen to a vintage Elite. The difference, the feel was nothing subtle. The Pilot Elite was virtually MAGICAL. Smooth. Expressive. Responsive. Even the resulting script was _so_ nuanced. It literally took my breath away. Thank you for the great comparative review.
Writing with my Pilot Custom 823 felt like I was tapping into a reservoir of inspiration. The vacuum filler mechanism and the 14k gold nib turned every writing session into a joyous experience ❤
Two gorgeous, differently-styled pens, but the wiggle introduced in the posted cap of the current model, if actually noticeable to a typical user, is a low-down dirty shame. Please omit me from the drawing as I've already had an Elite. Thanks to you and 365 for the generosity.
My first gold pen was a 743 which I still have even though it taught me that I don't like/need flex. You want it? I'm in a tradey mood.
I’d be very interested in that 743 FA if you’d be interested in selling :)
If the pen is just sitting there..... I could see how it compares with my 912FA
My first gold nib was a Lamy 2000 EF - a really precise sweet spot that’s lovely to write with (not so great if you tend to roll a nib when writing, but amazing if you don’t!). Thank you so much for the great content - as always!
I discovered your channel a few month ago and have since watched all and have gone viewing at past postings.
I like your approach and vibe of the individual episodes.
I have really liked your tips, tricks and did you knows; like the tissue wetness test.
Well Done.
I love my vintage Elite, it has been my daily pen for around a year. I got it to see if I would like the form factor as it was about 1/8 the price of the e95s
My first gold nib was on a Sailor 1911S
Good review of the Pilot pen
Very new to all this and fell into fountain pens only a couple months ago. Learning a lot from your vids! Love the look of the e95s.
i'll be honest I like the con40 because I love changing ink colors. nice job, cool to see these side by side thanks! first gold was parker 51 -- didn't love it sadly.
Same here, i like the con-40. Btw, was it the old parker 51 or the new releases? The new aren't so good.
Exactly I would change every other day if I could get away with it :)
A very unique looking pen, and it pulls it off very well. Such a staple of the fountain pen world.
Love the burgundy color scheme of the modern one, and I prefer a scratchier nib than most. Looks like I found my first big pen purchase.
Bought it with an EF nib. Absolutely in love. This pen is gorgeous in person and the feedback is *perfect*. Glides across the page but also feels and sounds like I'm scratching arcane runes onto an ancient scroll with a quill. Perfection.
I'm new to fountain pens and can only dream of owning a gold nib pen at the moment. I'm learning a lot from your videos! Thank you!
My wife and I both have the newer version like yours in this video. They both are medium nibs and write wonderfully well…a bit soft but smooth as butter! I have the black and hers is the burgundy color. Fantastic writers for sure. Lots of bang for the buck. We especially like the friction fit of the cap. A distinctive closure when replacing the cap when done as well as when posting during writing. I would highly recommend this pen to both beginners as well as experienced writers. Nice job on your videos! I’m a subscriber. Joe M. Kansas City, USA.
Sailor and Platinum also made long-short pocket pens like this back in the 70s. They aren't as popular as the Elite and can be found remarkably cheap for gold nibs. I have a Platinum with a flex nib and it's a great writer.
IIRC Platinum was the original one actually then the other companies followed
Sailor made the first long/short format pen, soon followed by Platinum. I have about 10 of these and they are lovely
My first gold nib was my late father's vintage Aurora Hastil in medium, it's super smooth. The first one I bought myself is my Sailor PGS Manyo Willow in MF. I agree with you that the vintage one has a lovely look that I wish the new version would come in as well!
Thank you for the video. I enjoyed learning how to test for wetness. I've only been collecting using fountain pens since last summer. So i'm considering getting an e ninety five s for my first gold nib.
I'm so grateful for the gentlemen who gave me my first couple of fountain pens. I've always hated writing and therefore keeping track of events and journaling. Using the fountain pen. I have gotten so much better.
Thanks for the opportunity. My first gold nib pen was a Lamy 2000 medium. Since then, I have been considering getting it ground to an architect...
I got a modern Japan Elite 95s in ivory and burgandy. Great writing pens just don't write with it much being I work with steel on a manufacturing floor. Dont want it to get damaged.
It's a cool and different pen. I had a vintage Pilot Elite 18k, but found the converter would only fill halfway, and would only last a page or two. 11:30 very cool dry-test, I'll definitely put that to use, thanks!
I fill the converter from a syringe for this very reason.
@@blktauna Yup, that would solve it. I thought of it as an excuse to sell it to someone who wants it more, and instead use another pen. I used to use it at work (fit in the shirt pocket), I now use parker 51, which is just perfect. It's discrete, fast to uncap, looks like a normal pen, just works, never fails, holds plenty of ink.
Only a few months into using fountain pens and the Elite is the pen I would like as my first gold nib. Thank you for all the pen and ink videos you make.
I recently inherited my mom's vintage Parker 75 with a beautiful silver "cisele" design very similar to that vintage Pilot. Such a beautiful and timeless look. I also love that even though the pen is over 50 years old it takes the exact same coverter and cartridges as modern Parkers.
Love both versions, but the vintage hatch is an amazing look. Would love to have the modern one too, so I’m excited about the draw.
Another nice review DB. My first gold nib was an E95s in Burgandy/Ivory Fine nib. I liked this style of pocket pen so much I've since acquired 3 vintage Sailors, 2 vintage Platinums, and a vintage Pilot Elite. My most recent acquisition - a vintage 1976 Pilot Myu 701!
Thanks for the video. The tips and tricks seemed very useful. Filling up ink in a pen can be more than a little messy when you first get started. Also the trick about how to tell which pen is wetter was very useful.
My first gold nib pen was the Sailor Pro Gear Slim. It's been amazing. The Pilot Elite was an option even back then in 2016, and somehow it's still on my list of pens I'd like to get.
My daughter works at Muji. I'm looking forward to a real fountain pen to use on the paper she sent me. It's time to retire my Zebra Fuente. You've given me some good ideas. Love your down-to-earth style!
I recently ordered several Pilot gold nib pens as I heard about the price increase, they are the first in my collection: Custom 743 (FA nib), VP (Rhodium Stripe, F), Decimo (black, EF), VP LS (black, M), Falcon Elabo (brown, SEF), and a rare pen I haven't seen covered the Grance (dark blue, F). I was considering an e95s but I purchased the vintage Shaeffer Targa in this style of nib. ❤
Thanks DB! Learn something new every day! Date code was new to me. I usually refill empty cartridges in my Pilot short-long pocket pens because I like to choose my ink, the cartridges are sturdy, and have decent capacity. I have found them a pleasure to use
Fantastic review, it is a good example of Pilot's mastery when it comes to making fountain pens
Very cool pen(s)! Not sure why I've been reluctant to grab one of these, there's a lot to like. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for this video. My first gold nib pen was a Parker 45. Have a great week ahead!
My first gold nib pen is my Sailor 1911S in MF.
I have started to write since the 9th of January this year and started with my Pilot Kakuno. After finishing 2 journals, I moved to the Sailor 1911S. But I can seem to be comfortable enough to carry it with me to work so in the office I just use a normal rollerball.
Great video btw. An in depth comparison is always nice. Very informative for newbies like me.
My first gold nib was a Pilot Custom 823. Great, smooth writer and I love that it holds so much ink.
Such a satisfying pen! From the way it writes, to capping and uncapping, to the feel in the hand. Great comparison doodlebud!
I appreciate all of your knowledge and observations that you share with us. Those are gorgeous pens.
Ohhh, never had a gold nib but one day I hope.
In any case, adore your channel.
Please keep doing what you are doing!!
I love how the E95s writes. It’s so fine and precise. It’s amazing. No other fountain pen I have can do it
The Lamy 2000 was my gateway into the world of gold-nib fountain pens. Its minimalist design and the unique Makrolon material perfectly complement the smoothness of its gold nib.
I’ve been using fountain pens so long I’m not positive of my first gold nib. I believe it was my Namiki Faceted Vanishing Point in burgundy with a medium nib.
It's so nice how it goes from a pocket pen to a full-length pen and looks good while doing it. My first gold nib was a Pilot 74 sm. It's very nice.
I'm a little over a month on my fountain pen journey and this Pilot E95s quickly made its way on my list. Your channel is my favorite due to your engineering approach as it fits with my interests in many things and now fountain pens too. I've been cruising around eBay in hopes of finding the same vintage one you have but am sure I will buy the new one soon. That is unless I'm the lucky winner. Thank you for all the reviews and content you produce.
Unboxing my Montblanc Meisterstück 149 was a defining moment. The weight, the craftsmanship, and the gold nib made me feel like I was holding a piece of writing history in my hands.
Cheers mate!
This is great!! Thanks for this video.
My first gold nib was a waterman opera that I got just out of college some 25 years ago
Just about 2 months into my fountain pen journey as a wannabe artist. :D Love the videos. You've helped narrow the field considerably. I've stuck to the lower cost/easier to leave on the sidewalk when urban sketching types of pens so far, but very excited to eventually graduate to the finer stuff, and the Pilots are at the top of the list of contenders. Great stuff!
Great comparison video! My first gold nib was a Pilot Decimo 18k (M) - still love it. I also have an early 2000's Vanishing Point with a 14k nib (M). I can tell a slight difference between the two medium nibs with the 18k being a little smoother and a wetter flow. I've wanted to add an e95s to my collection and now you've given me much to consider...vintage vs new.
Just commenting to comment - I already have this exact E95s, so please omit me from the drawing!
Ahhh, yes! I have been hoping this video would come! Ever since you so thoroughly convinced me to buy a vintage Elite - which, incidentally, was my first gold nib! - I have wanted to hear your thoughts on the two compared!
There have been others who have done it, but your videos are always more entertaining, not to mention educational. That tip of lightly dabbing the nib on a tissue to check/compare wetness was solid!
Thanks for continuing to entertain, educate, and inform us! As always, looking forward to catching you next time! 😅
Love pocket pens. This e95s has been in my list for some time. Classic!!!
I like your tissue paper test, it’s simple and visual. My first gold nib was Pilot Vanishing Point and I still love it.
Hi DB! Another great review. My first was a Vanishing Point. Hey, question for you! I'm looking for a crosshatch vintage like yours. All i find are (F) size. Didn't they make (M) or (B) in these vintage pens way back in the 70s and 80s???
Im not sure about the different nib sizes back then. The only ones I have seen like mine have all been F
New pen enthusiast here. Love your review videos, they always help me pick a new pen.
My first gold nib was a Pelikan M800 Demo that I got at an antique store in Boston. Still one of my favorites even with its complicated barrel issues. Cheers!
LAMY 2000 was my first gold nib. I was skeptical at first but just writing with it changed my perspective. For what it's worth, you have a clear and pleasant voice for your reviews. Thanks.
My first gold nib was my Grandfather's Pelikan m400 that he hadn't used so he gave it to me. I'm so lucky 💓
My first gold nib was the Lamy 2000. Bought it on vacation to NYC not realizing how rare a Lamy store was in the US at the time. Will always love that pen.
That's a lovely looking pen. I am looking at getting my first gold nib pen and this might be one I go for
My first gold nib was a Lamy 2000. I was very underwhelmed at first and barely ever used it. But I kept writing.
Something clicked after a few weeks and boy did that become my favorite pen of all time. Thanks DB.
I watched your original video on the vintage elite and was so taken by its styling and your review I found my own one. So a vintage elite is my first gold nibbed pen. I use it to draw with, and it’s wonderful
My first gold nib was the Lamy 2k EF I got in 2017 :) I actually just recently swapped that EF nib out for a Medium and it revitalized my love for the pen. Also i just love these long-short pocket pens so much, I'm already browsing ebay to look at the vintage options listed right now haha.
My first gold nib was a Parker 51.. it was my every day work pen for fifteen years plus. I still have it, shows a lot of wear at this point.
My first gold nib pen was a Pilot Custom 74 . still love that pen!
that burgundy on the E95s though, it is spicy!
Thanks Doodlebud for the excellent video. I own a modern Elite and I enjoy it a lot. My last fountain pen arrived yesterday: Leonardo Momento Zero Grande 2.0 Galattica Universe, what a nice pen indeed! Keep up the excellent work 🙂
My first gold nib was a vintage Parker 51 which I love. Thanks for the comparison, really interesting to see how they compare.
I was waiting for this comparison to pop up somewhere on the internet. Great review!
I'm a huge fan of those pens in all of their iterations. The E95S was my first 14kt nib pen. I now have a couple of vintage Elites as well as of the Platinum version of the same style pocket pen & thoroughly enjoy writing with all of them, although I do kind of wish I had purchased that first E95S in a fine nib rather than a medium.
My first and only gold nip until now is the Lamy 2000. After your videos I had to get that pen and I love it as a daily for work notes.
Thank you for the video! Always look forward to see your latest take on things.
First gold nib was also my first fountain pen: Scheaffer Intrigue, black & gold, purchased new around 2002-03. Despite its problematic filling mechanism, it’s a beautiful pen that I still love.
My first (and for the moment only) gold nib pen was the pilot E95s! The burgundy and gold. It's such a beautiful pen to use, and just to look at and turn over in your hands, taking the lid on and off etc. I'm totally in love with it. Since I have one already I'm not angling for the draw, but congratulations to whoever wins it, it will make them very happy!
My first pen was also a Lamy 2000. Funnily enough, I actually just bought a vintage Elite with the crosshatch pattern a day prior to this video publishing! Still waiting for it to show up, so I'm excited to try it out.
My first solid gold 14K nib was in a Kaweco V.71 fountain pen my parents offered to me as a gift.
Very interesting and educational video on these Pilot fountain pens. It looks like the vintage versions win quite often.Thank you!
My first gold nib was a Sailor 1911 Large with a medium sized nib ! Such a beautiful pen, took a bit of time to get used to the feedback of sailor pens but it was a great experience
My first gold nib pen was a Montblanc 144. Sooo scratchy! Not the best first experience, ahaha! But this Pilot Elite is stunning!
Did you buy it new? If so can get that taken care of at the Montblanc dealer.
@@Doodlebud it was used unfortunately, a model from the 80s
@Doodlebud I'm new to fountain pens 🖋 i bought this exact elite pilot vintage; mines 1977.
Can some one please help me as to which converter or ink cartridge can be used on this pen ? So much appreciated thanks 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙇🏾🙇🏾
@@jeteshpatel1757I think the small ones do it. Con-20, Con-40 and Con B.
I never miss one of your videos and I am a Pilot fan with 823, Custom 74 and 2 Falcons. What I would love to have is a Elite ne95s. All my Pilots are F nibs, so this one is a perfect fit.